Start your engines!
Tips have been flooding in that version 1.2 of TomTom’s iPhone GPS app has just hit the App Store. There’s no doubt that it certainly has some ground to make up against the competition, so do the new features cut it? Continue reading for details of what’s included in the update.
The new features included in the update are:
Updated maps
Updated IQ Routes database with “millions of new measurements”
Text-to-speech (finally!) in UK, US and Australian accents
‘Help Me!’ emergency menu (nearest Liquor King?)
‘Safety Cameras’ database update (presume they mean speed cameras)
Customisable audio warnings for speed limits and safety cameras.
iPod controls
Support added for original iPhone and iPod touch (for use with TomTom car kit presumably)
The update weighs in at 154MB so start your engines!
– TomTom New Zealand
Got the update? Let us know what you think in the comments
Does the Text To Speech on TomTom do street names like the Sygic does? If so I’m curious how it handles maori words.
(moviemichael has made 63 comments)
Well, cool that it does actually pronounce road names, I’ve found that invaluable on the Sygic, even if it’s pretty cringeworthy.
(moviemichael has made 63 comments)
I had a run with it earlier (no Car kit) and here are some of my thoughts/findings.
I had GPS Enhancer switched on and it definitely seems more accurate, still not 100% but much better.
The speed limits have been updated which is good, but I did notice they were out by 50 metres or so, but at least they are correct, and it’s only an issue when going from one speed limit to another.
The iPod is paused and not dimmed when directions are announced.
Speed limits have a number of warning sounds to choose from but unfortunately no setting as to when it will sound, i.e. 5Kmph over, 10Kmph over, 15Kmph over etc etc. It seems to be pretty random, anything from 5Kmph to 15Kmph.
Lane guidance doesn’t work
And just as a side note, to use TTS you need to select a voice with (computer) next to their name.
All in all much much better but still space for another update.
(Daniel Burgess has made 613 comments)
If I purchase the app do I get the latest update?
(benh has made 52 comments)
Yup – whenever you purchase something in the App Store you get the latest version of it, so hit the link!
All good but no advanced lane guidance, it is ghosted out in the app, I can only assume it does not function for the New Zealand app.
TTS is good so far, less computer generated sounding than Sygic, the in-app ipod controls are great, not able to comment on the undated maps as yet.
It has a GPS Enhancer function to compensate for any delays or inaccuracies for the location – Not tried this as I use the car kit and have no issues with performance, it would be good to hear if it makes a difference without the car kit….
So far it is looking promising but a shame about the lane guidance.
(jasetaylor has made 10 comments)
Hi Moviemichael — pronounciation of Maori road names is about the same as the others – i.e. pretty bad
I turned on the TTS and its hilarious, I drive alot on State Highway 16 and 18. Hearing it tell me to shhhh every time I need to turn on these roads is awesome. Its converting the SH to shhhhh… Thank you TomTom for simple fun on the drive home.
(Nordy has made 46 comments)